Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has claimed that Jack Wilshere and Santi Cazorla will not return to action immediately after the international break.
The pair have spent lengthy spells on the sidelines this season, and Wenger has insisted that neither will be rushed back.
"Cazorla is slow," Wenger told reporters. "Wilshere is showing good signs of recovery. I don't think straight after the international break Wilshere or Cazorla will be back.
"Cazorla's knee is perfect but he has a little Achilles problem. That has slowed him down. Had he not had that problem he would be available now."
Arsenal's only hope of silverware this season is the Premier League title, but they are 11 points behind leaders Leicester City.